Pennsylvania to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Iowa

ConsPennsylvania

• Expensive turnpike tolls
• Congested city traffic
• Higher housing costs
• Costly car insurance
• Higher living costs
• Dense population
• Pricey parking
• Local wage taxes
• Limited yard space
• Higher power rates

ProsIowa

• No toll roads
• Lighter traffic
• Affordable home prices
• Cheaper premiums
• Lower cost of living
• More open space
• Cheaper parking
• No local wage tax
• Larger lot sizes
• Lower power rates

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Iowa

• Flatter landscapes
• Fewer pro teams
• Sparse public transit
• Far from beaches
• Fewer historic sites
• Smaller job markets
• Limited cuisine variety
• Fewer major campuses
• Car-dependent living
• Harsher winter wind

Pennsylvania

• Scenic mountains nearby
• Major league sports
• Robust public transit
• Short drives to coast
• Rich historic sites
• Diverse job markets
• Varied dining scene
• Abundant universities
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Milder winter cold

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Iowa

• Say goodbye to expensive turnpike tolls and hello to no toll roads
• Look forward to moving away from congested city traffic and moving to Iowa with lighter traffic
• Swap the higher housing costs of Pennsylvania for affordable home prices in Iowa
• Get ready for cheaper premiums in Iowa

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from scenic mountains nearby in Pennsylvania to live with flatter landscapes in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of major league sports and have to settle for the con of fewer pro teams
• Time to bid farewell to robust public transit and get used to sparse public transit in Iowa
• Swap short drives to the coast for the far distance from beaches

Pennsylvania vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Soft Pretzel, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Fried Butter on a Stick to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Tempura of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Zahav, and Primanti Bros. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The Ronneburg Restaurant, Smokehouse 61, and Fong's Pizza.

When comparing lifestyles, Iowa shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Pennsylvania. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Iowa compared to what you are used to in Pennsylvania. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Iowa.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Iowa

• The Colonial architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and spacious yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Iowa is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Iowa is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• Iowa housing costs are 18% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
• Rent in Iowa is 27.18% more affordable than in Pennsylvania.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Pennsylvania and Iowa

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Iowa. Iowa gets 14% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and flooding in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and flooding in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is the same as Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 3% less than those in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in Iowa will be 4% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• The state income tax in IA is 4.40% to 8.98% compared to 3.07% in PA
• The affluence in Iowa is modest compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate poverty in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Pennsylvania and very low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Iowa

• Pennsylvania tends to lean moderately liberal in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a moderately conservative swing state
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with a strong evangelical presence
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities in urban areas

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Iowa

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 906 miles from Pennsylvania to Iowa will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.